The first plus points to hit me on this fish are the head size and shape. The evenness of the scales is also impressive. I love the way they run parallel to each other from head to tail. Also they are nice and shiny and the colour is uniform and deep.

The minus points are the slightly slimmer peduncle. However that could just look slimmer due to the weight of that superb head. I can’t say too much about the tail as it’s hard for me to see the small photo. It would have been lovely to see that uniform colouration spread into the tail but you cant have it always.

As for the lineage. I would take a stab at a Kashino x Mita cross. It certainly has the scales and body shape of a Kashino. The head influenced by Mito blood perhaps.All this is just a stab in the dark, the conclusion it’s a dam good fish with good blood and potential.

to frankie :"Tails a little small and a little soft."-- any hint how I can improve that?

to forrest :"The minus points are the slightly slimmer peduncle."-- I tot I picked one with a strong peduncle... will bring it to a larger pond help? currently in 2'x3' tub, thinking of bring it together with the rest in a 4'x6'.

"I would take a stab at a Kashino x Mita cross."-- It's a true blue Ishikawa, still learning so... can enlighten the characteristics difference and that of Kashino, mita? thks.

to frankie :"Does it swim as well as it looks?"-- yes.. swims with grandeur though quick at times as it's still a young fish.

Aah, the line ID is interesting. I had a good look at some other examples of that lineage at the above link.

It seams to me like a very positive attribute of this line is the uniformity of their scale pattern. If the scales were a little smaller the appearance would almost be snake skin.

I would say this would be a good prospect if one needed to improve the scales of your working line. How many times have you had a perfect shaped fish with good tail spoilt by scale disorganization or wandering lines.

Hi Forrest,though been keeping ranchu for several years now but still very much a beginer.Chanced upon this line when introduced to me by this LFS I frequent. Did not know Ishikawa line or any bloodline characteristics at that time. Somehow the body shape facinates me ... long rectangular head, long body, strong peduncle, smooth flowing scales pattern... but basically looking for a strong body structure. My idea of a perfect ranchu somehow fits very nicely with this line. If given a choice, now it's Ishikawa or nothing, pond space too precious you know...

Seen some examples in this year's spawning that has a narrow head (very different from what I have), can be seen in some of the pictures in Ishikawa san's web site. Don't understand why...

Looking for some hints to develop the ranchu further... any idea? Hope I won't spoil it before it's too late .